India among America's most important strategic allies: Marco Rubio to India Today

In an increasingly unstable world marked by wars, supply chain disruptions and rising geopolitical rivalry, the US is betting heavily on India. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described India as one of America's most important strategic allies.

Speaking exclusively to India Today TV during his India visit, Rubio made it clear that the relationship between Washington and New Delhi has evolved into far more than a traditional diplomatic partnership and now holds major strategic importance for the United States.

"We have a lot of alliances around the world. We have a lot of countries we deal with. But we have a handful of really important strategic alliances. And India is one of them," Rubio said.

The remarks came after Rubio held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his 4-day visit.

TRADE DEAL TALKS ENTER FINAL STAGE

One of the clearest signs of the deepening relationship, Rubio suggested, is the progress being made on a long-pending trade agreement between both countries.

Without revealing details, the US Secretary of State said negotiators were now working through the "final details" and indicated that an agreement could be finalised within weeks rather than months.

"We're down to very final details," Rubio said.

"I'm very confident we all have a lot of reason to be optimistic that we're on the verge of a trade deal."

The US Secretary of State said the proposed deal could open the door for deeper business ties between the two countries, boosting investments, expanding technology partnerships and helping both sides build more reliable supply chains.

"It’s not just about tariffs, but about creating the conditions to be able to do all these other things together that we want to be able to do," he said.

QUAD, CHINA AND MARITIME SECURITY

Rubio also highlighted the importance of the Quad grouping involving the US, India, Japan and Australia. Calling the forum more than just a diplomatic meeting platform, he said Washington wants the Quad to evolve into a practical security and economic partnership capable of delivering concrete outcomes.

One major area of focus, he said, would be maritime security.

"We want it to actually be a forum on which we can begin to partner on things," Rubio said.

Rubio pointed to shared concerns over maritime security, critical minerals and vulnerable supply chains as key areas where Quad countries could deepen cooperation.

RUBIO SIGNALS STRONG PERSONAL TIES WITH INDIA

The US Secretary of State also spoke warmly about India itself, praising the country's scale, diversity and strategic importance.

"This is a great place. I really enjoyed our time," he said.

"I could be here four weeks and not see it all because it's such a big country with so much to show us."

Rubio also confirmed that the US hopes to host Prime Minister Modi for a standalone bilateral visit in addition to the planned G20 engagement later this year.